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VA’s Whole Health approach reduces chronic pain

VA Research News Briefs

VA’s Whole Health approach reduces chronic painPhoto ©iStock/Jacob Wackerhausen

(04/29/2026) A study of almost 800 Veterans across six VA health systems showed VA’s Whole Health approach to care can reduce how much chronic pain interferes with a Veteran’s daily life. Whole Health involves individualized, interdisciplinary care focused on personal health goals, non-drug therapies, and wellness coaching. After 12 months of treatment, Veterans with chronic pain receiving Whole Health care had greater improvements in pain interference than those receiving the usual care or cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a type of talk therapy. The study also demonstrated that Whole Health for chronic pain can be delivered successfully via telehealth. The results suggest the Whole Health team model can be an effective approach to managing chronic pain. (JAMA, Apr. 29, 2026)



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